Fishery guide · Nottinghamshire
Collingham Ponds
Collingham Ponds are part of Collingham Angling Association’s wider coarse-fishing setup, with former sand-and-gravel pits, Centeniary Lake, a 106-peg River Trent stretch and the Fleet at Besthorpe. The lower Trent is the headline draw, especially for barbel.
“7.5/10 — The 106-peg Trent stretch and reported lower-Trent barbel fishing give the venue a strong river-fishing pull.”
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The lowdown
Collingham Ponds are linked with Collingham Angling Association and sit near Spalford, on former sand-and-gravel pits. Centeniary Lake is named as one of the association’s fishing ponds, so there’s a stillwater option here, but this is much more than a simple pond ticket. If you’re planning a first visit, check the exact water and peg arrangements with the association or bailiff before setting off.
- 3 lakes: Centeniary Lake, River Trent, Fleet at Besthorpe
- Fish: carp, barbel, chub, bream, roach, perch, pike, eel
- Tickets from: Temporary membership — ordinary water — £10 per day
- Find it: Collingham · NG23 7LN
Plan your session
Fishery map of Collingham Ponds
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How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
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Around the fishery
A look around the venue
Fishery
Collingham Ponds
We haven’t got permission to show venue photos here yet. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Which lake suits you?
Based on how each lake is set up — not a ranking.
The full rundown on Collingham Ponds
Collingham Ponds are linked with Collingham Angling Association and sit near Spalford, on former sand-and-gravel pits. Centeniary Lake is named as one of the association’s fishing ponds, so there’s a stillwater option here, but this is much more than a simple pond ticket. If you’re planning a first visit, check the exact water and peg arrangements with the association or bailiff before setting off. That’ll save a daft bit of faff.
The River Trent is a major part of the picture. The association controls the stretch from Cromwell Weir downstream to the Collingham parish boundary, with 106 pegs to explore. The lower Trent is known for its barbel fishing, while other reported river species include chub, bream, roach, dace, gudgeon, bleak, hybrids and perch. Pike and eels are also covered by the association’s coarse-fish rules, so there’s a decent spread of targets depending on the section and conditions.
The Fleet at Besthorpe is included too, although it’s a river fishery rather than another pond. In other words, this is a mixed club setup, with stillwater and running-water options. New to the venue? Have a proper look at the peg, watch the water for a few minutes and ask the bailiff about sensible approaches, recent access arrangements and any local no-go areas. Keep the first session simple, take a few reliable rigs and let the swim tell you what’s going on.
For a Trent session, bring proper bank gear rather than trying to travel light to the point of being caught short. A suitable landing net is compulsory, and specimen anglers must carry an unhooking mat. Fish must not be beached to land them. Barbel must be returned immediately after recovery, along with salmon, sea trout and brown trout, while all coarse fish must be returned to the water when fishing ends. A roomy tackle bag, unhooking kit and enough bait for a few changes of plan should keep things bob on.
Timing and membership need checking before you clip up. Fishing is generally from sunrise to sunset, with anglers allowed to approach their chosen peg 30 minutes before sunrise and required to leave within 30 minutes after sunset. Members can night-fish most association waters, but non-members cannot, and members cannot night-fish pegs 1A to 4A. Temporary membership is available from association bailiffs on the bank, with ordinary water listed at £10 per day. Cromwell Weir/Collingham Weir pegs 1A to 4 are listed at £150, as are some 10-peg sections.
There are a few extra wrinkles on the booking side. Pegs W1 to W4 need advance booking with the bailiff, the first seven days of each month on W1 to W4 are members-only, and there’s no night fishing there. W1 to W19 have no vehicle access for temporary members. Contact bailiff Iwan Morton for current booking enquiries, especially before travelling for a booked section. Keepnets must be river-friendly and large-mesh, fish can’t be held longer than five hours, and the usual tidy-bank stuff matters: no litter, no open fires, dogs tethered and no camping. Bivvies or umbrellas are fine as temporary shelter.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Collingham Ponds FAQs
Who controls Collingham Ponds?
The ponds are associated with Collingham Angling Association, which also controls the River Trent stretch and the Fleet at Besthorpe.
How much is temporary membership?
The published price for ordinary water is £10 per day, available from association bailiffs on the bank.
Can I book the weir pegs?
Yes. Cromwell Weir/Collingham Weir pegs 1A to 4 are listed at £150, and some 10-peg sections can also be booked for £150. Pegs W1 to W4 require advance booking with the bailiff.
Who should handle current booking enquiries?
Booking enquiries should be directed to bailiff Iwan Morton. The official site also warns of renewal problems with Clubmate software.
Where's the nearest tackle shop?
We haven't found a tackle shop on site at Collingham Ponds. Sort your bait and end tackle before you travel, as there's no guarantee of anything close by near Collingham.
Do I need to bring food?
We haven't seen any food on site, so bring your own grub and drinks. A flask and a stove (where allowed) make a long day much better.
Are there toilets on site?
Not that we've seen listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Is there parking, and how close is it to the swims?
The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off. Bring a barrow in case it's a walk.
What's the postcode for the sat nav?
NG23 7LN.
How much is a ticket?
Temporary membership — ordinary water: £10 per day; Cromwell Weir/Collingham Weir pegs 1A to 4: £150; Some 10-peg sections: £150. Prices last checked 2026-10-10 — they can change, so check before you go.
Can I just turn up, or do I need to book?
Day tickets are available on Centeniary Lake, River Trent, Fleet at Besthorpe. Busy weekends can fill up, so ring ahead if you've got your heart set on a swim.
What fish are in there?
Across the lakes you'll find carp, barbel, chub, bream, roach, perch, pike, eel. See each lake tab for which fish live where.
How many lakes are there?
3 — Centeniary Lake (Not published), River Trent (Not published), Fleet at Besthorpe (Not published).
Is night fishing allowed?
It's seasonal — Members may night-fish most association waters. Non-members cannot night-fish, and members cannot night-fish pegs 1A to 4A. There is no night fishing on W1 to W4.
Can I bring my dog?
Not covered in the rules we've checked. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Are bait boats allowed?
We haven't seen a bait-boat rule listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need barbless hooks?
Yes, it's required — Specimen anglers must use an unhooking mat.
Do I need my own unhooking mat or cradle?
Yes, it's required — Specimen anglers must use an unhooking mat.
Is it suitable for disabled anglers?
We haven't seen disabled access listed. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
Do I need a rod licence?
Yes — anyone 13 or over fishing in England and Wales needs an Environment Agency rod licence (or Natural Resources Wales in Wales), on top of your fishery ticket.
When's the best time of year to fish here?
Late spring through autumn is prime for most species. Check our live weather edge for this venue before you go — it updates daily.
Anglers' photos
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Day ticket · turn up
Centeniary Lake: a named association fishing pond, with no current size or pond-specific tariff published.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
Centeniary Lake is identified as one of Collingham Angling Association’s fishing ponds. It sits within the wider fishery of former sand-and-gravel pits near Spalford.
The checked details do not give a lake size, pond-specific price or named pond species list, so it’s best to check the current position with an association bailiff before setting off.
Lake photographs
A look around Centeniary Lake
Collingham Ponds
Centeniary Lake
We’re checking the fishery’s Centeniary Lake pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Anglers after an association-controlled pond option
- Those happy to check the current pond arrangements before fishing
Maybe not for
- Anyone looking for published lake dimensions or a detailed pond stock list
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Centeniary Lake
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
Centeniary Lake FAQs
How big is Centeniary Lake?
The current lake size is not published in the checked details.
Is there a pond-specific day-ticket price?
No pond-specific tariff is published. Temporary membership for ordinary water is listed at £10 per day.
What's the lake record on Centeniary Lake?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Centeniary Lake that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Centeniary Lake?
carp.
Which baits work well on Centeniary Lake?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Centeniary Lake further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Centeniary Lake get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Centeniary Lake?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Collingham Ponds before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Centeniary Lake?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Centeniary Lake on a day ticket?
Yes — Centeniary Lake is on the day ticket. Tickets: Temporary membership — ordinary water £10 per day; Cromwell Weir/Collingham Weir pegs 1A to 4 £150; Some 10-peg sections £150 (last checked 2026-10-10).
Is night fishing allowed on Centeniary Lake?
It's seasonal — Members may night-fish most association waters. Non-members cannot night-fish, and members cannot night-fish pegs 1A to 4A. There is no night fishing on W1 to W4.
Who does Centeniary Lake suit?
Good for: Anglers after an association-controlled pond option; Those happy to check the current pond arrangements before fishing. Less suited to: Anyone looking for published lake dimensions or a detailed pond stock list.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
River Trent: a 106-peg lower trent stretch with barbel as the main calling card.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- barbel, chub, bream, roach, perch, pike, eel
The association’s River Trent water runs from Cromwell Weir downstream to the Collingham parish boundary. There are 106 pegs, giving anglers a decent amount of river bank to work through.
Barbel are the headline species, with chub, bream, roach, dace, gudgeon, bleak, hybrids and perch also reported. Pike and eels are covered by the coarse-fish rules. Expect proper running-water fishing rather than a neat, predictable pond session.
Lake photographs
A look around River Trent
Collingham Ponds
River Trent
We’re checking the fishery’s River Trent pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Barbel anglers keen to fish the lower River Trent
- River anglers after a mixed bag of chub, bream, roach and other coarse species
Maybe not for
- Anglers wanting guaranteed night access as a non-member
- Anyone after a quiet stillwater-only venue
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish River Trent
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
River Trent FAQs
How many pegs are on the River Trent stretch?
The stretch has 106 pegs.
Can non-members fish the Trent at night?
No. Night fishing is not allowed for non-members.
What's the lake record on River Trent?
The fishery hasn't published a record for River Trent that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in River Trent?
barbel, chub, bream, roach, perch, pike, eel.
How big is River Trent and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A 106-peg lower Trent stretch with barbel as the main calling card..
Which baits work well on River Trent?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for River Trent further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does River Trent get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on River Trent?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Collingham Ponds before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on River Trent?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish River Trent on a day ticket?
Yes — River Trent is on the day ticket. Tickets: Temporary membership — ordinary water £10 per day; Cromwell Weir/Collingham Weir pegs 1A to 4 £150; Some 10-peg sections £150 (last checked 2026-10-10).
Is night fishing allowed on River Trent?
It's seasonal — Members may night-fish most association waters. Non-members cannot night-fish, and members cannot night-fish pegs 1A to 4A. There is no night fishing on W1 to W4.
Who does River Trent suit?
Good for: Barbel anglers keen to fish the lower River Trent; River anglers after a mixed bag of chub, bream, roach and other coarse species. Less suited to: Anglers wanting guaranteed night access as a non-member; Anyone after a quiet stillwater-only venue.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Day ticket · turn up
Fleet at Besthorpe: a separate association-controlled river fishery at besthorpe.
- Size
- Not published
- Swims
- Not published
- Max anglers
- —
- Species
- carp
The Fleet at Besthorpe is also controlled by Collingham Angling Association. It is described as a river fishery, not a pond.
The checked details do not give a size, peg count or species list for the Fleet, so check the current arrangements with a bailiff before making the trip.
Lake photographs
A look around Fleet at Besthorpe
Collingham Ponds
Fleet at Besthorpe
We’re checking the fishery’s Fleet at Besthorpe pictures before displaying them here. You can still see the originals on the fishery’s website.
Suits
- Members looking for another association-controlled river option
- Anglers who are happy to confirm the current access details
Maybe not for
- Anyone specifically targeting the published lower Trent barbel stretch
Bait, rigs & seasons
How we'd fish Fleet at Besthorpe
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Fleet at Besthorpe FAQs
Is the Fleet a pond?
No. It is described as a river fishery.
Are species listed for the Fleet?
No Fleet-specific species list is included in the checked details.
What's the lake record on Fleet at Besthorpe?
The fishery hasn't published a record for Fleet at Besthorpe that we've found. The fishery doesn't say on what we've checked, so give them a quick call before you set off.
What fish are in Fleet at Besthorpe?
carp.
How big is Fleet at Besthorpe and how many swims?
Around Not published acres. A separate association-controlled river fishery at Besthorpe..
Which baits work well on Fleet at Besthorpe?
We've put together a full bait, rigs and seasons plan for Fleet at Besthorpe further up this page — it's built from the lake's features and the venue rules. As a rule, match your approach to the stock: a solid food-source boilie and a tidy presentation will catch anywhere on the complex.
When does Fleet at Besthorpe get busy?
Weekends and bank holidays are busiest, especially spring through autumn. It's a day-ticket lake, so popular swims go early — arrive at first light or midweek if you can.
What weather suits bigger catches on Fleet at Besthorpe?
A mild south-westerly with falling pressure is the classic carp trigger, and overcast days usually beat bright, still ones. Check our live weather edge for Collingham Ponds before you go — it ranks every lake here for the next 7 days.
Which pegs are best on Fleet at Besthorpe?
Honestly, we don't rank pegs — the fish move with wind, pressure and pressure from other anglers. Have a walk and watch the water before you set up; the tips section above has what we've found so far.
Can I fish Fleet at Besthorpe on a day ticket?
Yes — Fleet at Besthorpe is on the day ticket. Tickets: Temporary membership — ordinary water £10 per day; Cromwell Weir/Collingham Weir pegs 1A to 4 £150; Some 10-peg sections £150 (last checked 2026-10-10).
Is night fishing allowed on Fleet at Besthorpe?
It's seasonal — Members may night-fish most association waters. Non-members cannot night-fish, and members cannot night-fish pegs 1A to 4A. There is no night fishing on W1 to W4.
Who does Fleet at Besthorpe suit?
Good for: Members looking for another association-controlled river option; Anglers who are happy to confirm the current access details. Less suited to: Anyone specifically targeting the published lower Trent barbel stretch.
Community reported
Recent angler updates
No angler updates yet — that's normal. Be the first to help the next angler.
How busy was it?
Nobody's said yet. It's part of the 20-second update below.
No live tracking — this is what anglers told us after their session, and it's never part of the venue score.
Water updates from anglers
No active water updates.
Help other anglers
Venue Rule Checker
- Must
Do all coarse fish need to be returned?
All coarse fish must be returned to the water when fishing ends.
- Must
Must barbel be returned immediately?
Barbel must be returned immediately after recovery, along with salmon, sea trout and brown trout.
- Must
Is a landing net required?
A suitable landing net is required.
- Must
Is an unhooking mat required for specimen anglers?
Specimen anglers must use an unhooking mat.
- Must
Are keepnets restricted?
Keepnets must be river-friendly, large-mesh and not carp-sack style. Fish may not be retained for longer than five hours.
- Seasonal
Is night fishing available?
Members may night-fish most association waters. Non-members cannot night-fish, and members cannot night-fish pegs 1A to 4A. There is no night fishing on W1 to W4.
- Must
Is a rod licence required?
Anglers must hold and carry a current Environment Agency rod licence.
- No
Is camping allowed?
Camping is prohibited on club waters, banks, tracks and car parks. Bivvies or umbrellas are allowed as temporary weather or sun shelters.
Taken from the fishery’s own pages, last checked 10 October 2026. Rules change — always check with the fishery before you go.
Rules and prices change through the season. Follow and we'll flag changes the fishery or other anglers report.
Tips & guides worth reading
How we'd fish each lake
Our own suggestions, worked out from each lake's features, its main fish and the venue rules. They're tried-and-tested methods, not reports from this venue, so watch the water and ask in the tackle shop on the day.
Centeniary Lake
carp
Zigs in the warmer months
In clear, deep water carp often sit up in the layers on warm days. A zig is the only way to get a bait in front of them.
- Start at half depth and move up or down a foot at a time until you get bites.
- Black or foam hookbaits work well on bright days.
- Keep it simple — no freebies needed.
carp
A bigger bed of bait at range
On a big lake with gravel bars, a good bed of bait on or behind a bar gives roaming fish a reason to stop and feed for longer.
- Find a clean, hard spot with a marker float and clip up so every cast lands on it.
- Spread the bait with a spod or throwing stick — little and often.
- Mix boilies, pellet and particles so there's always something left for the fish to graze.
- Match the hookbait to the freebies.
River Trent
barbel
Pellet and boilie for the lake barbel
Lake barbel feed hard and fight harder, and this lake runs alongside the river. Use a strong rod and line, and rest them properly in the net before release.
- Halibut pellet or small boilie over a bed of pellet.
- Strong hooklink and a size 10–12 hook.
- Never hold barbel out of water long — keep them in the net until they've recovered.
chub
Bread or worm tight to cover for chub
Chub sit under overhanging trees and snags and are cautious, so a quiet approach and a natural bait near cover catches them.
- Bread flake or lobworm on a size 8 hook with a link leger.
- Keep low and quiet on the bank.
- In summer, try a free-lined slug or floating crust.
bream
Waggler and groundbait for bream
If they're within waggler range, float fishing over balls of groundbait is a great way to pick off bream.
- Ball in groundbait with casters and chopped worm at the start.
- Set the float a touch over-depth and watch for slow lifts.
- Top up when bites slow.
roach
Float maggot for roach
On a mixed lake a waggler and a pint of maggots is the easiest way to keep the float going under all day.
- Feed six to ten maggots every cast.
- Shallow up if bites come on the drop.
- Size 18 hook and light hooklength.
Fleet at Besthorpe
carp
A neat lead-clip rig over a light scattering of bait
When you don't know the lake well yet, the simplest approach is the best start: a reliable bottom bait rig on a clean spot, with just enough bait to get a bite without filling them up.
- Feel the lead down to find a firm spot, then clip up so you hit it every cast.
- Fish a single boilie or wafter with 20–30 freebies around it.
- Leave one rod roving and recast it to showing fish.
Good background reading. Most of it is a few years old, so treat it as a starting point and ask on the day.
Videos linked by the fishery
What anglers reckon
7.5/10 from Tackle Index: The 106-peg Trent stretch and reported lower-Trent barbel fishing give the venue a strong river-fishing pull.
Straight from anglers online
Short, unedited extracts from public reviews, credited to the person who posted them. Not checked by us and not a Tackle Index view.
We haven’t found any public angler reviews of this venue yet. Fished it? Add yours below.
Our take on the feedback
Our read
Checked Sept '26 — “Collingham Ponds are part of Collingham Angling Association’s wider coarse-fishing setup, with former sand-and-gravel pits, Centeniary Lake, a 106-peg River Trent stretch and the Fleet at Besthorpe. The lower Trent is the headline draw, especially for barbel.”
This is our own summary of recurring public feedback and the venue details we checked, not a copied customer review or a promise you’ll catch. Feedback changes, so we keep it separate from the Tackle Index score.
Angler score
What our readers rate Collingham Ponds
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